Name: French Onion Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 h 25 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 4 large onions, sliced thin; 1 tablespoon dry sherry; 4 cups low-sodium beef broth; 1 tablespoon chopped, fresh thyme; ½ teaspoon worcestershire sauce; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 (½-inch) thick slices french bread, cut into small cubes (about 1 cup); ½ cup shredded swiss cheese; 4 (½-inch) thick slices french bread; 4 slices gruyere cheese

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French Onion Soup is one of those quintessential comfort foods that never fails to warm the soul. Picture a bowl brimming with beautifully caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and that heavenly melted cheese just waiting to be pulled apart with a spoon. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl! Whether you’re summoning the perfect dish for a chilly night or impressing guests at home, this classic French delicacy has proved to be a beloved staple around the world.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make French Onion Soup
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
French Onion Soup

I first stumbled upon this delightful recipe during a casual Sunday dinner gathering with friends. We were trying to decide on the perfect winter dish, and somehow, French Onion Soup came up. With its deep flavors and warming nature, it quickly became a hit at our table. I’ve tweaked the process a bit to make it manageable for a weeknight dinner while still preserving that wow factor. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a soup that fills your kitchen with aromatic goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just a little hands-on time (about 10 minutes) before you can let it simmer into deliciousness.
Irresistible Flavor: The layers of flavor from caramelized onions, savory broth, and gooey cheese are simply mesmerizing.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Each bowl topped with melted cheese and crispy bread is an impressive presentation that will wow your guests.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for cozy dinners, holiday gatherings, or even as a starter for a fancy meal.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adapt this recipe for vegetarian diets by swapping the beef broth for a hearty vegetable option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Used for rich flavor and to help caramelize the onions.
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Adds depth to the soup and assists with the sautéing process.
4 large onions, sliced thin: The star of the dish, they sweeten as they cook down to a golden brown.
1 tablespoon dry sherry: Adds a lovely note of complexity; substitute with white wine if preferred.
4 cups low-sodium beef broth: Gives the soup its rich base; choose high-quality broth for best results.
1 tablespoon chopped, fresh thyme: Imparts a fragrant, earthy element; dried thyme can be used in a pinch.
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: A splash brings a savory umami flavor to the soup.
¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavors; taste and adjust as needed.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat.
2 (½-inch) thick slices French bread, cut into small cubes (about 1 cup): For that delightful chewiness in every bite.
½ cup shredded Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a creamy texture and nutty flavor.
4 (½-inch) thick slices French bread: Topped with Gruyere, it creates a golden crust for the soup.
4 slices Gruyere cheese: This rich cheese is traditional and creates the perfect topping for broiling.

How to Make French Onion Soup

Melt the Fat: In a large stock pot, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat.

Sauté the Onions: Add the 4 large onions, stirring well to coat them in the butter and oil. Cook over medium heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown. The key here is patience—continue cooking for an additional hour on medium or medium-low heat until the onions are extremely soft, tender, and deep brown without burning.

Deglaze with Sherry: Pour in 1 tablespoon of dry sherry and allow it to cook for 1-2 minutes, letting some of the alcohol evaporate while enhancing the flavor.

Add Broth and Seasonings: Stir in the 4 cups of low-sodium beef broth, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme, ½ teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Incorporate Bread: Toss in the cubed French bread, stirring to incorporate everything nicely. This step adds texture and helps thicken the soup slightly.

Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Let the soup simmer on medium-low for about 30 minutes, allowing all those rich flavors to meld beautifully.

Prepare for Serving: Carefully transfer the soup to individual ramekins or small oven-proof bowls. Sprinkle each bowl with 2 tablespoons of shredded Swiss cheese. Top with a slice of French bread followed by a slice of Gruyere cheese.

Broil: Broil the soup on high heat, about 3-4 inches from the heat source, for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Just keep an eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn!

Alternative Serving Option: If you prefer, place the bread slices topped with Gruyere on a foil-lined baking sheet to broil for 2-3 minutes until melted. Then sprinkle the soup bowls with Swiss cheese and serve with the broiled bread on top.

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space at the top for expansion, and it should last for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw any frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator, then heat on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Be aware that texture may change slightly, but a splash of broth should help refresh it!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Caramelization is key: Don’t rush the onions; their sweetness develops slowly, resulting in the perfect soup!
Keep everything low-sodium if you’re sensitive to salt; flavors will build as the ingredients meld.
For added richness, consider using homemade broth if available—store-bought is convenient, but nothing beats home-cooked!
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses—cheddar and fontina are also delicious options.
If you’re making this in advance, add the bread just before serving to keep it from getting too soggy.

French Onion Soup truly captures the essence of comfort food—both hearty and cozy, yet delightfully simple to prepare. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions when you want to impress without fuss. Feel free to experiment with different toppings or spices to make it your own, and enjoy every comforting spoonful. Bon appétit!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make French Onion Soup in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the soup base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just avoid adding the bread and cheese until you’re ready to bake and serve.

What’s the best type of onions to use?

While yellow onions are traditional and offer a balanced sweetness, you can also mix in sweet onions like Vidalia for extra flavor depth. Avoid using red onions, as they may alter the soup’s color and taste.

How do I know when the onions are done caramelizing?

The onions should turn a deep golden-brown color and should be very soft to the touch. This process usually takes about 1-1.5 hours; patience is key!

Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?

Yes! For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef broth with a hearty vegetable broth. Just make sure to adjust any salt levels since vegetable broth can be saltier.